The greatest of champions reclaim crown

ALL hail magnificent Kilkenny after this, their eighth All-Ireland title in the past 12 seasons.

All hail manager Brian Cody who has led and inspired them through all of those triumphant seasons.

All hail regal Henry Shefflin and speedy Eddie Brennan who both played in all those wins and in the process have equalled the record of two of the giants of hurling, Christy Ring and John Doyle.